Any drug or medication has side effects. Lipitor is no different. One side effect commonly associated with the drug Lipitor is insomnia.

As a consumer you need to be aware of side effects, such as insomnia, before you are prescribed any medication. Ask your doctor or do the research on your own, but there is little point in taking a medication to help with one serious condition while it causes another.

Why Do People Use Lipitor?

People use Lipitor because it is effective in managing high cholesterol levels. The drug, which can only be used when prescribed by a doctor, is classified as a statin. A statin functions by decreasing the production of cholesterol by the liver. The main ingredient in Lipitor is Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate.

How Does Lipitor Cause My Insomnia?

Just because you are taking Lipitor does not necessarily mean that you will suffer from insomnia. Insomnia is only one of the many possible side effects of Lipitor. However, Lipitor is usually more effective at night because more cholesterol is produced during this time. Thus, insomnia is one of Lipitor's most well known side effects.

Insomnia is a serious side effect because of the cognitive problems associated with not sleeping. If the insomnia persists for more than a couple of days the person can become irritable, depressed, anxious, lethargic, likely to take other drugs to keep them awake during the day or help them sleep at night.

What Are The Risk Factors For Taking Lipitor?

There are several factors indicating that a patient should not be prescribed Lipitor. For example, people with decreased liver or kidney function should not take the drug, nor should people over the age of 70. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Lipitor, nor should people with muscular disorders.

What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Lipitor?

There are many other side effects of Lipitor besides insomnia. These side effects include:
* Headache
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Muscle pain
* Dizziness
* Chest pain
* Back pain
* Hair loss
* Skin reactions
* Loss of appetite
* Cramps
* Memory loss
* Liver disorders
* Weight gain
* Muscle disorders

If you are considering taking Lipitor, make sure you understand your risks and the possible side effects. Knowing these will help you to determine if taking the drug is really worth the risk.

Insomnia is certainly no joke, so if you are considering taking Lipitor make sure that you discuss the possibilities of getting insomnia from Lipitor with your doctor. If you do get insomnia, research many of the natural methods of alleviating insomnia without taking more drugs.